How Much Are Houseboat Rentals?

‍The price of a houseboat rental varies depending on a number of factors, which is why it is important to consider all of the features when taking a houseboat rental.

Houseboat rentals usually cost between $500 to $3,000, depending on the size of the vessel and the amenities. If you're looking for a more classy option, then the 84" Bigfoot II houseboat at Dale Hollow Lake is rented out for a modest $8,000. You'll also need to factor in the costs of cancellations.

Since the cost of houseboat rentals tends to vary greatly from around $500 to $3,000, it is always best to do your homework and compare the rates of multiple houseboat options before choosing one that suits your requirements.

Being part of the houseboat industry enables us to provide you with all of the information you need regarding houseboat rental costs. With the information based on our expertise and experience, you will be able to make a more informed decision.

‍Houseboat Rental Costs

The cost of houseboat rentals will vary depending on a variety of reasons, including the marina where the houseboat is docked, the type and the size of the houseboat, and any additional features or add-on payments. The price of a houseboat rental tends to be higher during summer when more people are on vacation and tend to turn towards houseboat rentals to experience the water up close.

That being said, the average cost of a houseboat rental for a 33" houseboat at Birch Lake can be as low as $500 and go all the way up to $1,300. On the other hand, a 50" houseboat rental can set you back up to $3,000. If you're looking for a more classy option, then the 84" Bigfoot II houseboat at Dale Hollow Lake is rented out for a modest $8,000.

It should be noted that houseboat rentals at Voyageurs National Park, Smith Mountain Lake, Rainy Lake, Lake Powell, Lake Cumberland, Bull Shoals Lake, Birch Lake, and the Everglades National Park tend to be more pocket-friendly for those who are on a budget. Again, it will depend on the size and type of the boat and the features and amenities being offered. More amenities and features and a larger, newer boat usually come with a higher price tag, so keep that in mind the next time you're in the market for a houseboat rental.

Avoiding Penalties

While there are several factors that go into the total cost of a houseboat rental, one factor that can bump up the overall cost of your houseboat stay is not following the agreement. Just like making a reservation with a hotel, you will need to agree on a start time and a time for returning the hotel room. If you exceed that time for whatever reason, you are required to pay a fine in the form of an additional fee. Houseboat rentals work in pretty much the same way.

You are to specify the date and time or the number of days that you will be renting the houseboat, after which the marina is going to expect it back. For instance, if you are looking to take the houseboat on a 3-day rental that starts on Friday, you would be required to bring or leave the houseboat back to the marina by 2 PM on Sunday.

Reservation Deposit

When going for a houseboat rental, you will have to make a small reservation deposit. This is mainly so that the marina can make sure that the houseboat is ready on the date. Additionally, the first day's rental deposit is required in order to confirm the reservation if made before 60 days from the actual date and is normally applied directly toward the rental rate.

For those of you who do not know, the rental term as described by most marina owners is a minimum of 2 days. However, this may vary depending on the season and the model of the houseboat that you have selected.

It should be noted that because of the huge demand for houseboat rentals nowadays, especially during the summers, some models may only be available for just three to seven days minimum. Finally, the amount of the reservation deposit is also going to vary depending on the marina you are using, the size of the boat, and other factors. This is why it is best to contact the marina to ask for all the details, including the reservation deposit amount.

Additional Costs

Just because you have paid a fee to take out the houseboat rental for a spin does not mean that it will be the only cost you need to factor in when it comes to houseboat rentals. That's because there are other added expenses as well that the user is required to pay out of pocket when it comes to houseboat rentals.

For instance, all houseboat rentals will be given with a full tank. That is, if it is a bluewater houseboat. This means that you are going to have enough fuel to travel up and down the river or lake in the houseboat. However, it also means that you will need to fill up the tank of the houseboat rental when you're done.

Other costs also include additional amenities that the renters use on the houseboat, such as electric appliances running on a generator and internet access, which also comes with a cost that's added to the bill.

Trip Cancellation

Emergencies happen. More often than not, these emergencies happen at the most unexpected of times, for instance, when you are scheduled to spend your vacation or a few days on a houseboat. This is where trip cancellation protection comes in. This is a great thing to have, just in case you may have to make some last-minute changes to your plan. The trip cancellation protection ensures that you will get your deposit money back from the marina to avoid going into a total loss just because of an unforeseen emergency.

That being said, it is important to keep in mind that the trip cancellation protection amount will also vary depending on the marina, so it is best to find out about all of the details beforehand. Whether it is for a medical or personal reason, trip cancellation protection ensures that you will get a full refund of the money you have paid for your stay in a houseboat rental and is one that should not be ignored.

Houseboat Rental Packages

You can also take advantage of added savings by looking for houseboat vacation packages that offer exclusive features at a discounted price. To find these houseboat rental packages, you should first choose a houseboat rental company, then explore the Special Offers section on their website to find out more about the specific discounts and dates that they are offering. This is, by far, one of the best ways to get a houseboat rental at an incredibly affordable price at the marina of your choice.

During the summer, it is possible to find some great houseboat rental packages that are offered by marinas and houseboat owners to encourage vacationers. It should also be noted that there are normally two sorts of houseboat rental deals available at Lake Powell. Standard bookings, for example, must be paid 60 days in advance and have (understandably) hefty penalties for cancellations made with less than 45 days' notice.

The special reservation is another form of reservation. They're a wonderful deal since they contain huge savings (we're talking double-digit percentages off). The price is that they must be paid in full at the time of booking, and no cancellations are permitted. You will lose the boat as well as your money if you cancel. Those are significant terms, yet most individuals we encounter seem content to follow them. The majority of our rentals are on sale.

A houseboat may be rented and enjoyed by everyone. Operating houseboat rentals usually does not necessitate any specific licensing or prior expertise; in some cases, all that is required is a valid driver's license. The good news is, after a brief session, even a novice boater may learn to steer a houseboat. Typically, navigational techniques, how to beach and tie off, and other boating operations are discussed and demonstrated when renting a boat. However, double-check with your boat rental business before heading out because each state has its own set of pilot requirements.

Houseboating is wonderful for big groups of friends or families, and it's even better if you purchase many boats to create your own flotilla. Since there is a nice balance of activities, there's always plenty to do when taking a houseboat rental. So, now that you know exactly what to look forward to when taking a houseboat rental in terms of fees and additional payments, all you have to do is choose the perfect spot where you will call home for the next few days or weeks.